7 April | Youth
«And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”» Luke 15:2
If you had to choose between a compliment or a criticism, which would you prefer? The compliment, right? In general, we feel motivated when we are praised, and discouraged when we are criticized. However, it is possible to grow in both situations. This depends not only on who criticizes or praises, but also on how we react. There are people who do not know how to criticize; others, in turn, do not deal well with criticism. There are people who specialize in false compliments, and there are also those who are arrogant in the face of other people's appreciation.
In today's interpersonal relationships, we realize that there are two ways of trying to balance criticism and praise: the American way and the German way. In the American method, praise comes first, and criticism at the end. For example: “Everything was excellent, but in this point, things could have been better.” In German, the order is reversed.
In Jesus' time, there was another way of dealing with other people's attitudes. The Pharisees adopted this method, which was “exclusively critical” of Christ. It was, in fact, a repetitive habit, a character flaw. They were unable to praise Jesus because they did not want to admit that He had more knowledge, charisma, talent, power and authority than they did. They feared Him and used criticism as a strategy to try to destabilize and discredit Him.
Which of the above methods do you use when dealing with people you interact with? When you are being evaluated, how do you react? Like Jesus, we can move forward despite criticism and even grow from it. It just depends on us. Jesus never let Himself be shaken by the criticism He received. And do not forget that they were all unfair. He always remained calm, used the filter of common sense and did not lose His temper. Do like Jesus. Praise without exalting and glorify God when you are praised. Do not be unfair in your criticism, learn when you are criticized and do not be discouraged when you are the target of an unfair evaluation. If you act this way, Heaven will praise you.